TAFE NSW, the Australian Government, the NSW Police Force and Charles Sturt University are continuously working in partnership in offering IPROWD training programs across NSW.

TAFE NSW Mount Druitt students got a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their potential future careers yesterday at Penrith Police Station as part of the IPROWD program. 

IPROWD's specialist programs offer a flexible approach to help Aboriginal students overcome barriers and encourage them throughout their journey of becoming a Police Officer; which they got a real taster of this week with an inside tour. 

Participant, Joel Casey, expressed his excitement to Western Weekender Penrith on being shown behind-the-scenes of the station, the different sections and how the police cars work. "We've been asked about a hundred times what makes you a good police officer", Mr. Casey laughed. "I just want to help the community and I love the variety. Every day is going to be different". 

Tjnara Leonard-Smith, another enthusiastic TAFE NSW participant, spoke of how she is interested in using her Aboriginal culture to aid her in her future career.

Tjnara expressed this ambition to Western Weekender Penrith - "As an Aboriginal person coming into the police force, we're needed for dealing with the community" she said. "I want to break down the barrier between Police and Aboriginal people".

The 18 week IPROWD program, which has been run through TAFE NSW Mount Druitt for the past seven years, aims to assist Aboriginal people to gain entry to the NSW Police Academy. The students will now spend five weeks in Dubbo, where IPROWD will assist with their Academy applications.

We look forward to hearing more on their journeys.